Podcasts

Podcast show artwork featuring images of Michael Piperno and Kerry Barrett with the title of the show, "I Don't Know Where This Conversation is Going to Go"

Overcoming Fears, Reinvention, and Entrepreneurship with Kerry Barrett

By

Ever wondered what it really takes to conquer self-doubt, switch careers, or start a business from scratch—especially when you have no clue what you’re doing? In this episode, I sit down with Emmy Award-winning former TV news anchor turned on-camera coach, Kerry Barrett, to unpack the winding road from the newsroom to entrepreneurship.

We both open up about the messy side of pursuing new dreams: overcoming fear of public speaking, dealing with imposter syndrome, learning on the fly, and making peace with failure. You’ll hear how Kerry pivoted her business multiple times, faced a steep learning curve, and discovered the power of relentless self-improvement.

Whether you’re thinking about your own career leap, struggling with self-confidence, or just craving an authentic peek behind the scenes of working for yourself, I think you’ll find our conversation insightful. Plus, we share some practical wisdom on the importance of building a support network, testing your ideas, and (finally) not letting other people’s opinions define your story.

Tune in for an empowering conversation loaded with real talk, lots of laughs, and actionable takeaways for anyone on the journey of reinventing themselves.

Links mentioned in the show:

Kerry’s LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/kerrybarrett/
Check out Kerry’s YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@IAmKerryBarrett
Kerry’s Website: www.kerrybarrett.com
Michael’s Website: MichaelPiperno.com

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Oh, and there’s a video version on YouTube 😉: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelpiperno

Overcoming Fears, Reinvention, and Entrepreneurship with Kerry Barrett Read More »

Podcast artwork featuring images of Michael Piperno and Tami Wong

The Power of Sharing Your Story with Tami Wong

By

In this episode, I caught up with Tami Wong, and we had a wonderful conversation that touched on a variety of themes, including vulnerability, resilience, and personal growth.

Tami is the founder of Hair Loss Pride and author of the children’s book “Hair Pride.” In our conversation, she shared her personal journey of living with alopecia since her teens, detailing the struggles she faced with confidence, shame, and self-acceptance, as well as the turning points that led her to become an advocate for women experiencing hair loss. 

We also talked about Tami’s transition from a corporate career in biotech and healthcare to launching her own business—one that offers not only coaching, wig consultations, and support groups, but also a powerful online community where women can share their stories and feel less alone. The conversation covers the significance of breaking silences around topics often considered taboo, including estrangement, anxiety, and grief. 

We delved into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the importance of representation in beauty and fashion, and the ripple effects created when people are brave enough to step forward and speak openly about their experiences.

It’s a great conversation about the transformative power of connection, sharing personal struggles, and embracing your story.

Links Mentioned:

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Oh, and there’s a video version on YouTube 😉: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelpiperno

The Power of Sharing Your Story with Tami Wong Read More »

Podcast Art with images of Michael Piperno and Erin Davis. The text says, "I don't know where this conversation is going to go."

Inclusion, Connection, and Lessons from the Rink with Erin Davis

By

In this episode, I sit down with Erin Davis to dive into a candid and wide-ranging conversation about connection, inclusion, and embracing change—both in and outside of the workplace. From stories about childhood belonging (or lack thereof) to how we make people feel in our everyday interactions, this episode explores how our lived experiences shape the way we form relationships and communicate across differences.

You’ll hear Erin share her journey from being a hockey skeptic to lacing up her own skates as an “elder millennial” and how trying something new on the ice turned into powerful lessons about leadership, teamwork, and building truly inclusive spaces. Michael and Erin also share honest reflections about networking, communication challenges among generations, and how recalibrating our beliefs can be healthier than relentlessly pushing forward.

Tune in for practical wisdom, a few good laughs, and a reminder that we all just want to feel included.

Links Mentioned:

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Oh, and there’s a video version on YouTube 😉: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelpiperno

Inclusion, Connection, and Lessons from the Rink with Erin Davis Read More »

Podcast show artwork featuring Greg Ippolito of IMA and Michael Piperno

Music, Marketing, and Meaningful Relationships with Greg Ippolito

By

In this episode of I Don’t Know Where This Conversation Is Going to Go, I sit down with my longtime friend and colleague Greg Ippolito — someone I’ve known for so many years that our conversations tend to zig, zag, loop back, and somehow land exactly where they’re supposed to.

We talk about a lot — connection, marketing, music, creativity — but it all comes back to one simple truth: people. How we show up for each other. How we communicate. How we build trust. And how, despite all the digital noise we navigate every day, the most meaningful moments still happen one human at a time.

Greg and I riff on where marketing is headed. We also get into why genuine, personal connection matters more than ever — not as a tactic, but as a way of being.

Some of my favorite parts of our conversation are about music. We swap stories about rediscovering it during the pandemic, the strange comfort of gathering around a piano, and the science behind why certain songs make us feel seen, understood, or simply less alone. We even wander into the nostalgia of vinyl. You’ll see.

We also talk business. The messy blend of sales and marketing. The power of referrals. The magic that happens when you experiment with content instead of overthinking it. And the humble, often invisible ways people help shape our lives without us realizing it until years later.

It’s a thoughtful conversation, and it’s a reminder that connection — real connection — is still at the heart of good work and a good life.

Takeaways:

  • Real connection always beats slick, surface-level marketing.
  • Revisiting old passions (like music) can bring people closer.
  • Creativity thrives when you’re willing to experiment and not take yourself too seriously.
  • Many of the moments that shape us don’t look significant until we look back.

Links Mentioned:

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Oh, and there’s a video version on YouTube 😉: https://youtu.be/TF81YkEfSKs

Music, Marketing, and Meaningful Relationships with Greg Ippolito Read More »

Packaging Design, Pushing Boundaries, Soup, Toys, and Friendship with Amanda Miles

By
Convey Podcast Michael Piperno & Amanda Miles

My friend Amanda is one of those people I can call after months have gone by, and it’s like time never passed. We can jump right into the conversation with a 5 second runway and we’re laughing and chatting like we were back in high school.

I asked Amanda to be a guest on Convey because she is a master visual communicator. The work she does as a packaging designer for some of the world’s biggest brands sells products without uttering a word. Now, that’s what I call visual stopping power.

In this episode you’ll hear how Amanda approaches her work — it’s a story about listening well, truly understanding your audiences, pushing boundaries, and standing out through good, thoughtful design. 

Listen here on my website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor.fm or anywhere you subscribe to podcasts.

Learn more about Amanda here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ammiles/

Check out this episode’s sponsor, Darianna Bridal and Tuxedo: https://www.dariannabridal.com

Learn more about your host, Michael Piperno: https://www.michaelpiperno.com

Packaging Design, Pushing Boundaries, Soup, Toys, and Friendship with Amanda Miles Read More »

Purpose, Learning, and the Art of the Pivot with Pete Sandford

By
Podcast: Purpose, Learning, and the Art of the Pivot with Pete Sandford

I originally invited my friend Pete Sandford of NXLevel Solutions to join me on Convey to talk about how he masterfully communicates as a sales and business development guy. 

But when he and I were talking a few weeks ago, we got on the topic of our respective career paths and on the topic of purpose — which many of you know is one of my favorite topics. 

Pete’s story is very different than mine, but we share a very similar perspective on the common theme or thread in our stories. That thread is something most people have — they just haven’t spent much time noticing it. 

Listen to this episode to hear Pete’s story — it’s about purpose, pivoting, adapting, and growing as a lifelong learner. And yes, we also touch on his unique and authentic style of selling.

Visit Pete’s Websites: http://www.nxlevelsolutions.com and https://www.intelalearning.com

Check out this episode’s sponsor, Darianna Bridal and Tuxedo: https://www.dariannabridal.com

Learn more about your host, Michael Piperno: https://www.michaelpiperno.com

Purpose, Learning, and the Art of the Pivot with Pete Sandford Read More »

Talking About Money with Brett Michener

By

In the next episode of Convey, my friend Brett Michener and I talk about the importance of communication when it comes to talking about money — specifically, your money. Brett is a Financial Representative at The DeYoung Financial Group and I always like talking to him because he’s not only a “money guy,” he’s also a coach. Our conversations always make me think about my goals and how I can be better at making sure I’m thinking about saving and spending in a way that fits me and my family. 

Brett’s perspective will open your eyes to new and better ways to look at your life- and savings-goals. He also shares his personal career journey — it’s a great story about being open to opportunity and to change. And as we all know, change is inevitable in life.  

Visit Brett’s Website: http://deyoungfinancial.com

Check Out This Episode’s Sponsor, Lacona Supply: https://laconasupply.com

Learn More About Your Host: https://www.michaelpiperno.com

Talking About Money with Brett Michener Read More »

New Podcast Episode: Business, Marketing, Authenticity, and Relationships with Franco and Wendy Salerno

By

In this episode, my guests are Franco and Wendy Salerno, a husband-and-wife team who built and run a successful business, Darianna Bridal and Tuxedo, here in my home county of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I wanted you to hear about their business because they’ve done an exceptional job marketing it. In fact, they’ve done a better job communicating with their prospects and customers than just about any other local business I’ve seen. Equally impressive is the level of service they provide to their customers.

What’s their secret? They generously share a lot of their strategy in this episode.

In our conversation we also talk about how even in a tough year, both personally and professionally, they let their creativity, integrity, honesty, and authenticity guide the way — building strong relationships and adding to their network of raving fans as a result.

Listen here on my website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor.fm or anywhere you subscribe to podcasts.

Visit the Darianna Bridal & Tuxedo Website: https://www.dariannabridal.com
Check out this episode’s sponsor, Lacona Supply: https://laconasupply.com

New Podcast Episode: Business, Marketing, Authenticity, and Relationships with Franco and Wendy Salerno Read More »

New Podcast Episode: Food, Events, Connection, and Love with Sharon DeFelices

By
Convey Podcast Michael Piperno Episode 2

Thanks to all of you who gave me positive feedback on my first podcast episode. Your encouragement means a lot.

For my second episode, my guest is food, nutrition, and wellness expert — and corporate event strategist — Sharon DeFelices. Sharon and I talk about how clear communication is critical in her line of work, which includes planning and running events that incorporate health and wellness into the experience. You’ll be amazed by what goes on behind the scenes to ensure people enjoy the food and beverages they are served at an event — as well as the role food and nutrition can play in a productive and successful meeting. We also touch on a lot of other topics including the connections we create through the food we make at home.

Sharon also shares the fascinating story of how she went from nutritionist to chef to owning a company dedicated to healthier meetings with happier and more productive attendees. It’s an inspirational story about finding your purpose, and pursuing it fiercely.

Listen to it here on my website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor.fm or anywhere you subscribe to podcasts.

New Podcast Episode: Food, Events, Connection, and Love with Sharon DeFelices Read More »

Scroll to Top